Power cuts caused by a severe coal shortage crisis have disrupted normal life for tens of thousands of people throughout several states amid unprecedented heat. Satyendar Jain, Delhi’s power minister, held an emergency meeting Thursday and called on the central government to ensure adequate coal supplies. Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Haryana have reported power cuts due to high mercury levels.
In the following five days, the heatwave would worsen, prompting the IMD to issue a “orange” signal for five states: Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha. For the first time in April, Gurgaon, Haryana, sweltered at 45.6 degrees Celsius on Thursday. In Delhi, power supply to metro systems and hospitals is likely to be disrupted. “There may be an issue in 24-hour power supply to various vital institutions, including Delhi Metro and Delhi government hospitals, due to disruption of power supply from Dadri-II and Unchahar power stations,” a government statement said on Thursday.
While the meteorological service predicts a rise in temperatures, electrical demand is also projected to climb. Farmers are also set to be hit hard by a water deficit if temperatures continue to rise.
